Quoting John Hackett [email protected]:
I read quite recently a post on the Amsat-bb
wherea particular station was "explaining" that one *NEEDS* a linear amplifier to work AO-7.
Absolutely *not* true ... (using an aerial !!!!! might have helped.....LA2QAA & GM1SXX).
We should note that the same problem seems to exist on VO-52, too. About a week ago I monitored a pass and was astonished to see a QSO in progress which was about 5 S-units above the beacon. As I was trying to figure out what was up, the conversation revealed all: the station producing this formidable signal explained that it has a 22x22 beam on an az/el rotor and was using 20W of uplink power! The returning station, rather than suggesting QRP, congratulated his partner on an "excellent, strong signal" (which happened to be FM'ing the beacon like crazy.)
As our station improves, we need to lower our uplink power to maintain the same EIRP. If you're a newcomer to the SSB/CW birds, don't let these concerns deter you from getting your feet wet: just listen for the beacon at the beginning of the pass, and start with a downlink signal about this level. Those of us who have become accustomed to satellite operation should have the courage to recommend lower power to those with whom we're conversing, and should, as always, strive to improve our reception.
73, Bruce VE9QRP